The 1975 movie Dog Day Afternoon was a biographical crime thriller that adapted the true story of a robbery and hostage situation in Brooklyn's Chase Manhattan branch. The story originated in a Life magazine article, "The Boys in the Bank," by P. F. Kluge and Thomas Moore. In 2026, the movie will be adapted into a Broadway production featuring a fan-favorite member of The Walking Dead cast.
In October, Playbill reported that Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Stephen Adly Guirgis' play, Dog Day Afternoon, had secured its Broadway home. The play will be featured at the August Wilson Theatre with previews beginning March 10, 2026, and opening night scheduled for March 10. Directed by two-time Olivier winner Rupert Goold (King Charles III), the stage production will tell the story that inspired the movie, released in 1975.
In his Broadway debut, actor Jon Bernthal, known for his roles in The Walking Dead and The Bear, will portray Sonny Amato, a role played by Al Pacino in the movie. He will be joined by his The Bear co-star Ebon Moss-Bachrach, also in his Broadway debut, who will play Sal DeSilva, initially played by John Cazale.
The synopsis: Step back into the sweltering summer of 1972, New York City—a time when the Vietnam War looms large, Watergate headlines flood the news, and one man’s desperate act captivates the nation. A Brooklyn bank hold-up quickly goes wrong, and with each gut-wrenching twist that unfolds, chaos ensues that ignites the city as they follow the actions of a man on the edge.
The movie released on September 21, 1975 and was directed by Sidney Lumet and the screenplay written by Frank Pierson, who utilized the Life magazine article as source material. The film was a box office and critical success and nominated for seven Golden Globes, six BAFTAs, and six Academy Awards. Dog Day Afternoon was added to the National Film Registry in 2009 for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant"
Tickets for the Broadway production of Dog Day Afternoon can be purchased on line.
Bernthal made a name for himself in his role as Shawn Walsh in AMC's post-apocalyptic series The Walking Dead. Introduced in season 1, Shane was a partner to Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) at the King County Sheriff's Department. After the outbreak, Shane lied to Rick's family, telling them that Rick died, and stepped into Rick's role as husband and father. When Rick is discovered alive, the dynamics between the former best friends are significantly altered. This eventually leads to Shane's death in season 2.
The actor is also well known for his role as Frank Castle/Punisher in Daredevil: Born Again. He has also starred in The Amateur, The Accountant 1 and 2, Origin, American Gigolo, and many more.